Sierra Leone stands as a compelling example of innovation in land governance. Since the adoption of the National Land Policy in 2015, the country has embraced a multistakeholder approach to guide its land reform efforts. Today, its commitment is reflected in a revitalized National Multistakeholder Platform (MSP) and 9 District MSPs. These platforms play a crucial role in promoting inclusive land governance and have become key instruments in advancing the implementation of Customary Land Rights and the Land Commission Act. MSPs are not a new approach in land governance: but what makes an MSP a good, sustainable and truly representative mechanism? In Sierra Leone MSPs are gaining a new momentum, as emerged during a recent workshop hosted by the Ministry of Land Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP), the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), with the technical support of Partnership 2030.

Initially promoted by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), District MSPs are expanding their representativeness by including local government representatives and traditional leaders. So far, more than 70 MSP members have taken action and demonstrated commitment, showcasing effective accomplishments such as preventing and managing land conflicts; awareness raising on women’s land rights; land mapping; and engaging with private sector companies. Since 2023, the number of District MSPs has increased from five to nine, and more are about to be launched, with the objective of establishing one platform in each of the 16 Districts.

Supported by a dynamic and action-oriented MLHCP and freshly established NLC, the country is steering towards a critical phase for the reform of the land sector. The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) inspired many of the actions which characterised such a reform, including the establishment in 2014 of the VGGT Technical Working Group (TWG).

: ©FAO

Boosted by a renovated engagement of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs and leading role of the NLC, the TWG is ready for the next phase: creating a National MSP and beginning a national multistakeholder engagement strategy with the aim of coordinating actions and reinforcing an inclusive approach to land governance.